Chapter 20: Spotted Owl

A brisk wind blew over the valley, rattling the branches of the trees that ringed the stone gorge. It ruffled Spotted Owl's fur, making her shiver without the warmth of the sun which had retreated behind a screen of thick gray clouds. She hunched further down in her sheltered spot under the Rockperch, eating her morning meal as she watched her Clanmates go about their business inside the camp. Amber Mist and Whispering Rain raced around, squealing with glee as they chased some dried fallen leaves caught on gusts of wind. Willow Leaf and Drifting Leaf rested near the nursery; their heads bent in conversation while keeping an eye on the two kits. A border patrol made up of fighters, including Rabbit Nose and Blossom Dust was assembled by the entrance, preparing to leave. To her left, Quiet Sun, Tumbling Stone, and Shining Feather lounged outside their den while Tall Pine and Fern Dapple worked busily inside.

Spotted Owl's belly rumbled, reminding her of her food lying in front of her. She turned her attention back to the blackbird and gulped down more of it, the prey feeling good in her stomach after sitting her first night-watch. The day before, Yellow Sky had informed Spotted Owl that she was ready to perform her first guard duty that night. The young she-cat had gone to bed early and was woken up at moonhigh by Yellow Sky. The two she-cats had relieved Sharp Wind and Dappled Fur of guard duty and took up posts around the perimeter of the camp where they stayed, vigilantly watching for threats until the sun had peeked up over the rim of the Dawn Mountain.

Afterward, Yellow Sky led Spotted Owl on the vigorous run they took most mornings but was especially important that day, her instructor said, to wake up their tense muscles and get the blood flowing. When had they arrived back to camp, Spotted Owl was glad to hear that she had the rest of the morning off to rest and eat as she was almost asleep on her paws. She tried to sleep, but eventually gave up and went to grab a piece of fresh-kill from the pile.

"Spotted Owl?" A nearby voice asked suddenly, startling the black and white dappled she-cat.

"Yes?" Spotted Owl asked, raising her head, a black feather hanging out of her mouth. She was surprised to see Tall Pine standing in front of her; a determined expression fixed on his face.

"Can I talk to you?" He inquired, but his tone implied that he would talk anyway if she said no.

"All right," She replied cautiously, spitting out the feather and sitting up. She expected Tall Pine to want to move to a more private place, but instead, he sat down right there in front of her, curling his tail around his paws.

"Spotted Owl, I talked to you not long ago about my worries about the newcomers," Tall Pine began in a rush. "I know you think they are wrong, but I need you to hear me out this time. More evidence has come to my attention, and I'm almost certain that the rogues have come here because they mean us harm."

Oh, no, not this again! Spotted Owl thought exasperatedly, rolling her eyes. I thought he dropped all suspicions when Sharp and I started spending time with him to convince him there was nothing wrong. There's a bunch of times I could've been alone with Sharp that I won't get back.

Aloud, she said to Tall Pine, "I thought I made myself clear last time. You're wrong. Sharp and his companions came here because they wanted to join the Clans and lead a better life. I know Sharp well, and I know that he would never do anything to harm me. The Clans are in no danger with cats from the groups being here. In fact, I think we are better off because of them. Now, this conversation is over." She rose to her paws, leaving her half-finished blackbird, as she began to stalk away.

Tall Pine leaped to his feet and ran to block her path. "Hey, you can't leave yet. I'm not finished."

"I said this conversation is done," Spotted Owl growled, her eyes narrowed into slits. She tried to side-step him, but Tall Pine moved as well, barring her way. The two young cats stood nose-to-nose, their gazes locked. Tall Pine's yellow gaze, usually gentle and thoughtful, was fierce. He glared at her, ice in his eyes and stone in his stance.

"Fine," Spotted Owl said gruffly, backing away and taking a seat once more, not entirely certain why she had backed down. Maybe it was the fierceness in her brother's gaze that told her he wouldn't budge or the terrible urgency behind it. Or, it was the tiny voice in the back of her mind that said, maybe, just maybe, he could actually be right.

"You should remember how we overhead our Clanmates talking about the strange scents each Clan reported finding on their territories at the Gathering a couple moons ago," Tall Pine said, sitting down again. "And Sharp and his companions conveniently showed up not long after to save you from that eagle. It must have been the rogues who left those scents, because who else could it be? But then, why did they wait for an entire moon to show themselves? And why did they scout out the valley before revealing themselves?"

"What proof do you have that it was them?" Spotted Owl argued. "Did you actually smell any of those scents yourself?"

"No, I didn't," Tall Pine acknowledged. "But, surely you must think this at least makes some sense! Cats who came here with good intentions and wanted us to trust them wouldn't skulk around our territories without permission."

The black and white she-cat snorted, trying not to hear the sense in what her brother was saying. "No, I think you have feathers in your brain."

"Well, what about the deaths that occurred recently? Surely you don't think one of the cats of the Clan of the Morning Sun would kill Mellow Storm? And what about the Clan of the Flowing Waters trainee that was killed? Isn't it too much of a coincidence that two deaths took place so close to one another, especially after all of the Clans have been at peace for moons?"

Spotted Owl shrugged. "I don't know some of my Clanmates well enough to say for sure that they wouldn't kill a Clan of the High Peaks cat."

Her brother stared at her in astonishment. "You really think one of our Clanmates would take a life for no reason?"

"Well, I know that Sharp didn't do it. He wouldn't do anything like that. Wait...what what other death? How do you know a cat from the Clan of the Flowing Waters was killed?"

Tall Pine looked uncomfortable. "I, uh, kind of spoke with a cat from the Clan of the Flowing Waters while hunting yesterday."

"Oh, so you're lecturing me about how I shouldn't trust Sharp when you're acting untrustworthy; sneaking around, meeting up with cats from other Clans?" Spotted Owl scoffed. "That's it. This conversation is over." She began to pad away.

Tall Pine hurried after her, protesting. "Wait, it wasn't like that. I asked Holly Blossom how her Clan was and she told me about her Clanmates' death. Besides, that's not the point. We can't trust the rogues. They are dangerous! You are in danger!"

The young she-cat sighed and slowly turned to face her brother. "No, I am not. Sharp and his friends are not dangerous either. They are my friends, and they saved my life! I trust them with every hair on my pelt. I certainly trust them more than you. You say you care for me, and you want to keep me safe, but you just go around, spreading false distrust and making trouble. I already told you I'm fine, and I'm telling you again. You need to stop meddling in my life. From now on, stay away from my friends and stay far away from me!"

Tall Pine flinched, his yellow eyes wide and hurt, but Spotted Owl didn't care. She spun on her heel and stalked away across the camp.

Snake-hearted lying, deceitful miserable dirtbag! She raged inside her head. I absolutely cannot believe him! His accusations are outrageous! Sharp and the others are my friends, and I trust them with my life. He is wrong, so very, very wrong and he needs to stop spreading false accusations and meddling in my life!

But he did make some good points, the tiny voice in the back of her mind said. Isn't there the smallest possibility he could be right?

No. Spotted Owl thought, squashing the voice. No, there is no way he is right. I will not believe that Sharp is dangerous. He is my friend! My best friend.

"Hey, is everything okay?" A familiar voice inquired.

Startled, Spotted Owl turned to see Sharp strolling over to her. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Everything's great." She stammered hastily.

"Are you sure? You look upset."

"Oh, it's nothing," She said dismissively. "It's just Tall Pine being annoying."

"That's something," Sharp said gently. "Why was he annoying you?"

"Oh, well, he confronted me regarding his 'supposed concerns' about how I could be in danger because I'm friends with you. He thinks you and the other former group cats are untrustworthy and mean us harm. I know that you told the truth, but he thinks you're lying, deceitful, and dishonorable. He even thinks that you had something to do with the recent deaths of the cats from the other Clans. But he's wrong, right? You would never do anything like that?" Spotted Owl asked, searching the brown and ginger tabby tom's face for reassurance.

"Of course not," Sharp looked horrified. "I'm appalled you would even think so."

"Oh, no, of course, I don't," Spotted Owl assured him. "It's just Tall Pine who thinks so."

"Good." He smiled. "I know I can trust you."

She returned his smile. "I know I can too, no matter what Tall Pine says."

After a brief silence, Sharp exclaimed, "I know what will cheer us both up. Do you want to do a training session with me?"

"Yes! Absolutely!" Spotted Owl agreed enthusiastically, grateful for the distraction. "Let's go!"

. . .

Spotted Owl leaped backward, trying to dodge Sharp's blow, but she wasn't quick enough, and his paw collided painfully with her shoulder. As Sharp dropped back down onto all fours, she ducked and rolled, coming on up on his left side. She sprang forward, trying to bring the full force of her weight down on his spine, but Sharp was quicker. He had already danced out of her reach and lunged forward, knocking the young she-cat's hind legs out from under her.

With a grunt, Spotted Owl landed on her belly on the hard ground. She immediately twisted around to try and get up again, but Sharp was there, his paws pressing down on her flank.

"What was that?" He demanded, gazing down at her. Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "I've taught you how to think on your feet and watch your opponent for what might do next, but you've seemed to have forgotten all of it. Your movements are slow, your blows are clumsy, and your technique is sloppy. You need to stop letting the conversation with your brother distract you and focus. When you go into a real battle, if you want to survive, you absolutely cannot be distracted." His tone was bitter, almost like he's had an experience where this advice would've been helpful.

Spotted Owl used her hind legs to gentle push Sharp off of her, and stood up, shaking out her pelt. "I'll do better next time." She promised. "Let's go again."

"Okay," Sharp said dubiously but took his position across from Spotted Owl, prepared to spar again. "Ready?"

"Ready." She said determinedly, focusing her gaze on Sharp's paws. As soon as he shouted, "go," she dashed forward, of her feet outstretched, planning to knock them out from under him. However, she didn't get the chance as Sharp countered her blow with a hard smack just below her right shoulder. Her leg buckled and she collapsed to the ground.

Sharp moved to pin her, but, this time, Spotted Owl was faster. She rolled onto her back and sunk the tips of her claws into his fur, using her momentum to topple him over. She sprang to her paws and rushed over to pin the tom.

"Better. You were much faster this." Sharp said, his eyes glinting up at her. "But you need to remember not to look where you're aiming, or it will give you away."

"Right," Spotted Owl said, sighing.

Suddenly, the world tilted on its side, and she found herself lying on the ground once more, staring up into Sharp's teasing gaze. "You also need to remember not to get distracted." He said with mock seriousness. "Or you will find yourself right where you just were; pinned to the ground."

"Right," Spotted Owl said again, nodding thoughtfully.

"Now, do you remember the move I showed you that can throw someone off of you if you are pinned down?"

"I think so," The young she-cat said, pretending to think for a moment as she curled her hind legs up and kicked out, throwing Sharp off of her. "I guess I do remember after all." She said gleefully, clambering to her feet and Sharp got to his a couple of tail-lengths away.

"Well done," Sharp meowed, giving her a small nod. "That move was timed correctly and executed perfectly. I think you're ready to take your fighting skills to a new level. Are you ready to fight like a real warrior?"

Spotted Owl cocked her head. "Do you mean like the warriors from the stories about the Fallen Clans?"

"Oh, yes," Sharp replied, his eyes lighting up. "The warriors of 'the Fallen Clans,' as you call them, were fierce, strong, and courageous fighters who knew no bounds. Unlike your Clans, battles were ingrained in their way of life. They were a common occurrence between the Clans and were also opportunities for apprentices and young warriors to prove their worth. My group is descended from the mighty ShadowClan, who were the fiercest and strongest fighters of them all!"

"Huh." From the stories she'd heard as a kit, the black and white dappled she-cat was pretty sure he'd gotten some of his facts wrong, but she didn't want to argue.

"Let's pretend that we are going into battle," Sharp decided, trotting to his position across from her. "I'm a ferocious cat from a rival Clan with moons more of experience. Attack me and let's see how you do."

A little confused, Spotted Owl took her position, sinking down into her fighting stance. "Ready."

Without even replying, Sharp sprang forward, speeding toward her as fast as lightning. Spotted Owl blinked, startled, but managed to dodge just in time and land a clumsy blow on his flank.

The ginger and brown tabby tom skidded to a stop two tail-lengths away and spun around, advancing slowly toward her. Spotted Owl scooted out of the way, putting distance between him and her. Their gazes locked, the two cats circled each other, waiting tensely for the other to strike first.

Spotted Owl let her gaze drift to his left flank, and when she saw him follow her eyes, she leaped, battering her paws on his right flank and neck, blows which would leave him gravely injured in a real battle. Twisting around, Sharp slammed his shoulder into her, sending her tumbling away. At the same time, he cuffed her left ear.

The young she-cat stumbled backward, shocked as the pain began to flood through her ear tip. However, Sharp continued his assault, whipping his forepaw across her nose, leaving a long scratch.

"H-hey!" Spotted Owl sputtered, leaping back, out of reach. "That hurt! You scratched me!"

Sharp stopped in his tracks, looking confused, then annoyed and a little angry, but not the least apologetic. "Spotted Owl, I told you that is was time to bring up a level and fight like a real warrior. Didn't you know I meant with claws?"

"B-but this is practice. W-we're not supposed to fight with claws." She protested. "Yellow Sky made it very clear to me that we were never to use claws while sparring against our Clanmates."

Sharp sighed, rolling his eyes. "You know, your instructor isn't always right. She and the rest of the older cats coddle you and the other trainees too much."

"They do not!"

"Yes, they do. Do you think you're going to go into battle and not fight with your claws unsheathed?"

"Of course not! But we rarely ever fight against the other Clans."

"Still, that means they are coddling you. You want to be the best fighter in your Clan more than anything, don't you Spotted Owl?"

"Oh, yes, definitely!"

Sharp's eyes were cold. "Then fighting with claws is the only way to get stronger."

All Spotted Owl could do was stare at him, her yellow eyes huge. She wasn't aware of the stinging cuts on her nose and ear, or the breeze rustling the branches, or the twitter of a bird nearby, only of the dark coldness Sharp's eyes. This was a part of the cat she thought of as more than a friend, that she had never seen and never expected. It scared her.

Sharp stared back at her, and his face slowly broke into a good-natured grin. He chuckled. "Loosen up, Spotted Owl. You need to learn not take everything so seriously. I'm sorry I scratched you, and if you want to continue fighting without claws, that's fine by me."

"Thank you," The young she-cat murmured, staring at her paws.

"I want you to know something, though," Sharp continued. "Here in the Valley of Hidden Stars, the Clans are safe and sheltered from many threats that exist in the outside world. Where I come from, beside the lake, we constantly have to be on our guard against threats, and that's why we train with claws; to fully prepare our young cats to face any threat and give them the greatest chance of surviving. The groups have had to become tough and strong to survive, and if you train like us, like how the Fallen Clans trained, you can easily become the best fighter in your Clan and earn your Clanmates' unwavering respect."

He paused, gazing intently at her. "So, what would you like to do?"

Spotted Owl twitched her whiskers, thinking. "I-I would like you to keep training me, Sharp, like you were trained. But I think we should head back to camp now. My Clanmates might be wondering where we are."

"Okay," Sharp replied, beginning to move in the direction of the Clan of the Morning Sun's camp. "Are you okay?" He asked, turning back to look at Spotted Owl, who hadn't moved.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," She said quickly, but tenseness of her muscles and the tightness in her throat suggested differently.

Here is chapter 20! I hope you enjoyed reading about Tall Pine's and Spotted Owl's second talk and Spotted Owl and Sharp's training session. I was originally going to have it from Tall Pine's perspective, but then I realized that the first one was from his, so I decided to let you see Spotted Owl's thoughts. Poor Spotted Owl! She really, really likes and admires Sharp and so, it blinds her from seeing the sense behind her brother's words. Sharp has been good for her, she trusts (or is determined to trust him) and he is the only one she will "let in," unlike the rest of her family, which is mostly her fault. (Just don't tell her that.) She is a very complex and messy character, but that is what makes her realistic. By now, you might be able to tell where this book is headed (hint, hint see the last scene with Sharp and Spotted Owl) and I can tell you that when we get to the climax, Spotted Owl will be right smack in the middle of things. It will be a long and hard trial for her and she will need to make a lot of changes.

Anyway, back to happier things; thank you for reading this chapter and reading this looooong paragraph. As always, please review, favorite, and follow!

The Unnamed Guest - I guess I'm just not that well-known, but I do hope to attract more readers. Thanks, I've worked hard on that summary. Holly Blossom is a nice character and I hope to give her more spotlight through Frosted Leaf maybe in a future book. Correction: Fern Dapple and Tall Pine will be together, but not for a while as they are still trainees and both have a lot of growing to do. Yeah, I don't ship Spotted Owl and Jagged Path. At all. I'm not sure who she will become mates with in the future, if she does have one. Yup, that conversation definitely didn't go well, and we will see how Mossy Moon reacts very, very soon!

Question Of The Day (Yes, I'm doing this now): Do you think Spotted Owl's severe response to Tall Pine trying to warn her is justified because she doesn't want to hear anything bad about her best friend? What would you do if you were Tall Pine and your sister wouldn't listen to you, but you know she is in danger?

One Last Note: My spring break is coming up soon and I will be away on a trip for most of it and very buys, so, unfortunately, this is my late update for a while.

- A Warrior At Heart